North Western songstress Nancy Elizabeth celebrates ten years of stellar new music by bringing new record Dancing to Liverpool, Getintothis’ Sam Roberts is among the sparsely-attended Leaf Tea Shop for a quasi-religious experience.
Leaf isn’t heaving tonight, but is by no means empty.
It is however, very quiet. Each chair is full as the expectant crowd silently awaits the arrival of Nancy Elizabeth.
A former Liverpool resident, the Wigan-born songstress is now based in Manchester and this show is her welcome return to Liverpool. And, it is the first night of her tour promoting her new record Dancing – a stunning piece of work.
She has been lauded as a psyche-folk troubador, but the start of tonight’s set consists more of sweet harmonies with her two backing singers, providing a choral and mesmerising sound of sirens.
Alternating between guitar and piano, Nancy Elizabeth led the trio of voices as they completely filled the high-ceilinged space with their sonorous, chiming melodies, creating a stunning, quasi-religious experience.
The set was spellbinding from start to finish which was slightly at odds with Nancy’s self effacing but charming banter between songs. The material was wide ranging from across her 10 years worth of material, including splendid recent single Simon Says Dance.
Cousin Jac takes to the stage at Leaf Tea Shop
The main support was Cousin Jac – brainchild of pianist Jez Wing – and the band is a strange yet wonderful beast.
A rambunctious progressive folk-fusion affair, described as “wholegrain church organ pop” they almost defy categorisation. With double bass, accordion, understated rhythm guitar, and topped with some stunning piano work from Wing this brief set packed quite a punch, ranging from traditional folk, upbeat jigs and a poppy piano number thrown in, this interesting combination could well be following in the footsteps of acts like Lau.
The opening act was Pip Mountjoy. Hailing from Yorkshire, and en route to Glastonbury to perform at the Introducing stage, she delivered a set of simple yet well crafted songs, and made for a fitting introduction to the evening as the slowly filling room sat attentively in quiet appreciation.
Pip Mountjoy at Leaf pre-Glastonbury
Pictures by Getintothis’ Tom Adam.
Further reading on Getintothis
Julia Holter preps Loud City Song ahead of Liverpool date.
Deptford Goth to haunt Liverpool’s Leaf Tea Shop.
MONEY, By The Sea, Tear Talk: Leaf Tea Shop, Bold Street, Liverpool.
